That often-stated, yet obvious, phrase
can be elusive for clubs to capitalize
on. One young man, Nicholas
Lamoreaux, has proven to his club that
given encouragement, guidance, and a
welcoming atmosphere, youth have a
keen desire to explore and learn about
all facets of model aviation.

Oneonta RC Flyers club
members Mitchel J. Jones and Al
Kanser recognized the interest
and contributions of Nicholas,
and nominated him for AMA’s
Youth Leadership Award. The best
description for Nick’s involvement
in model aviation is found in the text
from his award application.

“Nick has been interested in flight
since he could walk. His love of
airplanes and anything that flies has
grown from toys he threw across the
room to gas-powered Stunt [Control
Line Aerobatics] planes. Over the past
few years, Nick begged his dad to join
the Oneonta RC Flyers, a Gold Level
club near Oneonta, New York.

“Nick finally took it upon himself
to get the ball rolling. He found the
club president’s email address from
the club’s website and started a
conversation. Before long, Nick was
invited to come and fly with the club.

Shortly after, at the age of 12, Nick
was nominated for membership and
joined.

“Nick loves to fly, but he also loves
to talk to or help anyone regarding
their airplanes. At shows or meets, he
can be found spotting for another pilot,
helping others put planes together, or
take them apart, or flying some type of
aircraft. Nick has also helped several
of his friends get into the hobby by
helping them choose aircraft, helping
them set up or build their planes, and
training them to fly. Lately, Nick has
been training his grandfather and uncle
to fly quadcopters. All are becoming
qualified fliers.

“Nick has been an asset to the
Oneonta Radio Control Flyers with
his flying skills and his approachability
in the field of RC aircraft. He flew
at the open house the Oneonta club
held, and is planning on being at the
upcoming mall show to explain the
AMA and flying.

“In closing, if Nick is fortunate
enough to win this award, we are
certain it will encourage him to reach
a higher level both in his love of flying
and his respect for the AMA.”
Thanks to the Oneonta RC Flyers,
Nick’s aspirations seem secure. On
Wednesday, May 4, 2016, Nick was
rewarded for his efforts and was
presented with the AMA Youth
Leadership Award for District II.

On April 9-10, 2016, the Plattsburgh
Radio Aero Modelers (PRAMS), in
New York, held its mall show at the
Champlain Center Mall. Everything
from turbines to trainers was displayed,
along with operating RC tanks and
land vehicles. The PRAMS club
members installed an RC track at
their field several years ago that has
increased membership and family and
community participation.

Congratulations to the PRAMS for
being community involved!

Remember, it’s not about what you fly,
it’s about the people and the friends
you make.

Nicholas Lamoreaux with District II Associate
Vice President Al Kanser.